If you're looking for a way to avoid studying for finals and writing those last research papers, or if you need a fun holiday activity to put you in the spirit, little is better than a round or two of ice skating. Here are some of the best places in the five boroughs for you to accomplish just that!
1. Wollman Rink in Central Park
Central Park, 59th Street and Sixth Avenue entrance, Upper West Side, Manhattan
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If you can disregard the fact the Trump family (technically) has their name on this beautiful rink, it's home to some of the best skating sights of Manhattan within Manhattan. Feel as though you're right in the middle of a movie under the shade of some of Central Park's most well-developed trees and a section of Manhattan's most iconic buildings. The rink is open Monday and Tuesday 10AM-2:30PM, Wednesday and Thursday 10AM-10PM, Friday and Saturday 10AM-11PM, and Sunday 10AM-9PM. Information about reserved and public skates is on their website.
Subway Access: A, B, C, D, 1 at Columbus Circle; N, Q, R, and W at Fifth Avenue and 59 St., or F at 57. St.
2. The Rink at Rockefeller Center
Rockefeller Plaza, 49th Street and 50th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, Midtown, Manhattan
Almost nothing is as much of a tourist trap or as quintessential to a New York City holiday season as ice skating in Rockefeller Center under the grand statue Prometheus. It's the most pricey, the most time consuming with long lines, but likely the most memorable as you glide underneath the glow of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree - just as you know you dreamt of doing as a kid. The rink usually requires reservations and is open in 1.5 hour shifts from 8:30AM-12AM. You can make a reservation or find out details about general admission on their website.
Subway Access: B, D, F, M at Rockefeller Center, 1 at 50 St., 6 at 51 St., and W and R at 49 St. are all within an easy walk!
3. The Rink at the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park
41 W. 40th St., Midtown, Manhattan
If you have your own skates, this rink is your best bet as it is then free of charge to enter - the only such one in New York City! The skating is located in the middle of the holiday shopping markets offering a number of hand-crafted items and uniques finds, just in case you also want to pick up something for a loved one while you're there. The rink is open daily from 8AM-10PM. Further details about the rink are on their website.
Subway Access: B, D, F or M at Bryant Park, or 7 at Fifth Avenue
4. The Rink at Brookfield Place
230 Vesey St., Battery City Park, Manhattan
This Lower Manhattan location offers skating alongside the Hudson River that's unlike any other experience. It's also unique in having United States Olympians Melissa Gregory and Denis Petkhov as skaters in residence that are also giving lessons. The rink is open for 1.5 hour skating sessions from 1PM-8:30PM Monday-Friday, and 10:15AM-9:30PM on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. Specifics can be found on their website.
Subway Access: E at World Trade Center; A/C at Chambers St., or the 2/3 at Park Place
5. LeFrak Center at Lakeside
171 East Dr. Prospect Lefferts Gardens, Prospect Park, Brooklyn
The biggest project to date within Prospect Park, the Samuel J. and Ethel LeFrak Center at Lakeside provides space for a number of activities throughout the year, including ice skating in the winter. The center does not require reservations and offer both indoor and outdoor options so you can stay warm or take in the beautiful views. Ice skating is available Monday-Thursday 10AM-6:30PM, Friday 10AM-9PM, and Saturday and Sunday 11AM-9PM. Visit their website for more information.
Subway Access: Q, B and S at Prospect Park, 2 or 3 at Grand Army Plaza, or F and G at 7th Avenue.
